Custer chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, Black Hills, D.T. [S.D.]) 1880-1890, 1887-01-01
Eighteen Eighty-Six.

| The year will eyer be memorable for
the many sad and startling events tran.
spring in its history. The demise Of
| distinguished persons has been un-
precedentedy the frequent occurrence,
and unusual violence of earthquakes in
various quarters of the globe, and es-
| pecially in the United States has been a
leading theme of wonder. The number
Of storms Of violent and destructive
tendencies have far exceeded in number
and destructive results any previous
year in the history of this country The
innumerable disasters at sea and on the
lakes and rivers, are simply appalling,
and exceed the limit Of any former year
| The elimination Of Anarchic organiza-
tions in armed rebellion may also be
! classified with the startling events of
the year. Taking into consideration
the many dismal and dire events which
have visited this country during the
year, we may safely conclude that its
superlative horrors are unprecedented
in the history Of modern times. And
yet, with its vast array of horrible vis-
tatons, and concomitant evils, it has by
no means been destitute Of many APP
precable blessings. Bounteous harvests
have been the rule; epidemic disease,
so far as this country is con-
cerned, has been comparatively un-
known; cur western borders have been
freed from the deadly scourge of muir
derous savages civilization has been
| advanced and expanded; the progress
Of the arts and sciences has been mark
ed and significant; harmony and peace
able relations with foreign powers have
been happily maintained; political
rancor. and sectional animosities have
been measurably obliterated, and nation
al unity materially augmented; bribery
and official corruption in the chief city
Of the nation has been met with con-
dign punishment, marking an era in
municipal reform which is most graft
flying to the advocates Of purity in
political affairs.
The list Of acceptable events transpir
ing in this eventful year might be ex-
tended almost nd infnitum, did space
permit, but with the addition Of a few
occurrences which have a more direct
bearing upon our local interests, we will
bid adieU for the present to the depart
ed, but memorable year Of 1886.
Among the many local happenings
affording present relief, and indicative
of the future prosperity of the Black
Hills, we might refer to the new and
important mineral discoveries in the
various mining districts, which by far
outrank, in their number and relative
importance. the discoveries Of any
preceding year. The rapid advance
ment of the Carbonate, Ruby Basin,
Bald Mountain, and other northern
camps, consequent upon the extensive
explorations of the year, may be fairly
considered phenomenal. The further
and more extensive investment Of east
ern capital in our tin locations, discov-
cred during the year, which under semi
development have greatly stimulated
the hope OF their eventually becoming
prominent among the great tin pro-
ducers Of the world, is also an event of
the year which may be regarded as
being of the highest local importance
The advent of railroad to point upon
the confines Of the Hills, is an event
which is not only comforting in its
present realization, but also in the
bright anticipation Of assured extension
within the limits Of the Hills proper, at
an early day. The rapid increase in
the population of the Hills during the
year which is largely in excess of any
previous year during the past decade, is
also especially encouraging, inasmuch
as it indicates conclusively the advanc-
ing popularity Of, and increased conf
dence in our unrivaled mineral re-
sources, upon which the hope of our
future commercial importance mainly
rests. Not the least gratifying among
the many achievements compassed
within the year, is the transformation
Of one Of our local towns from a mere
hamlet to a city with all the modern
appointments incident to the emporiums
of the east, and the rapid advancement
noticeable in other enterprising, but not
yet railroad towns, resulting from that
persistent and untiring energy which is
characteristic of the people of the great
northwest. The notable fact Of the past
year having been marked by no violent
storms, earthquakes, or serious vista
tions of any kind or character in this
favored region, in marked contrast with
other localities, is also subject for
grateful contemplation, and in con
Clrsion we can but express the hope
! that the year 1887, which is yet in It's